2 Degrees of BP

If you've been paying any attention, a week ago in my June 14th write up, I was talking about the 1990's Conversation Sensation:  "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon."  In case you forgot, the basic premise is that any 2 people can be connected through 6 (or fewer) links. It truly is amazing the number of connections that are out there!

With me, what started out as a soliloquy on acronyms for BP led to Kevin Bacon, which in turn led to another discovery.  That discovery was (aptly named) http://www.sixdegrees.org/.  Started in 2007 by Kevin Bacon, he took the Six Degrees concept mentioned above and purposely applied it to giving.  According to the website, this charitable organization is

"social networking with a social conscience.  Through this web site, you can support your favorite charities by donating or creating fundraising badges — as well as check out the favorite causes of other people, including celebrities."

Partnering with Network for Good, Hanes, Parade Magazine and the Case Foundation, Sixdegrees.org has been involved with granting hundreds of thousands of dollars
 to a multitude of charities.

But, it doesn't stop there.  It also serves as a place anyone can go to donate money.  You've got 3 options:

1. You can purchase a GOOD CARD ~ If you're tired of giving "things" that can get lost by the wayside, ends up being something that no one wants, or (worse yet) winds up in a landfill, there's always the gift card route.  But, rather than be a certificate to a restaurant or local store, it's the gift of charity.  Any one of 1.2 million charities in fact.  Load it with your amount, and then your friends can go to Network for Good to redeem it at the charity of their choice. 
2. Set up MONTHLY GIVING ~ Again, going with the idea that "small gifts matter" you can arrange a recurring donation through Network for Good's "Giving Cart" (as opposed to the typical online store front's "shopping cart."). It's as easy as 1-2-3:  create your profile, and click "Donate Now," and it'll store your donation history and the frequency & amount with which you'd like to donated.
3. Create a CHARITY BADGE ~ With this, you can raise awareness and moola for the cause of your choice.  Whether you share it on a blog, web page, Facebook, or beyond, you can advertise and inspire others to take part in giving to a greater good.  Add a photo, video, personal story of why this cause is important to you, and set it where you hope others will see it.  Your badge also tracks the donations you've raised.  It's a great way to share your message and take action simultaneously.  Plus, you can track some of your favorite celebrities and see their charity badges and what they are into.

To see a video with Kevin Bacon discussing the beauty of Sixdegrees.org, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kRtZoQCWwg.

You can also catch a CBS segment & interview with Kevin Bacon on The Early Show at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPB8L_sFMaM

To start taking action, go to http://www.sixdegrees.org/.